Stage 4 of the Tour du Limousin-Périgord runs 178.7 km from Nantiat to Limoges over a hilly profile that concludes with a flat finish, rewarding punchy all-rounders who can survive the climbs and still deliver in a reduced sprint or small-group finish. As a 2.1-category stage race, the field mixes professional continental and ProTeam squads, creating a competitive but accessible battleground. The Limoges finish is a classic destination for this race and should see a select group contest the stage honours.
★★★★
Top Favorite
Alex Aranburu is the undisputed top pick for Stage 4. He shares the highest Hills rating in the field at 76, has competed in 15 similar-profile races in the past 90 days, and has already posted a win and three podiums in that stretch. His Epic rarity and all-round stats make him the benchmark on a hilly day finishing in Limoges.
Cofidis
Cofidis
Alex Aranburu tops the Hills stat at 76 and backs it up with a win and three podiums in similar-profile races over the last 90 days. His 15 appearances in hilly races give him the deepest experience in the field, and his Epic rarity reflects genuine top-tier ability for this profile.
★★★
Strong Contenders
Aurélien Paret-Peintre matches Aranburu's Hills score of 76 with elite Climbing support and races for a well-organised Decathlon CMA CGM team, giving him the tools to challenge at the finish. Axel Mariault is the form pick of the race, with a win and podium in seven recent hilly starts and the best average finishing position of any rider with a large sample — a genuine threat on the day.
Decathlon CMA CGM
Decathlon CMA CGM
Aurélien Paret-Peintre matches Aranburu's Hills rating of 76 and adds a solid Climbing score of 74, making him a natural contender on this hilly finish into Limoges. The Decathlon CMA CGM squad provides strong team support, and his Epic card suggests he can punch at the very top level.
CIC Pro Cycling
CIC Pro Cycling
Axel Mariault is the standout form rider in this field, posting the best average finishing position among riders with meaningful sample sizes and recording one win, one podium, and two top-10s in seven similar-profile races. His Hills score of 73 is competitive, and he arrives in excellent condition.
★★
Dark Horses
Brieuc Rolland and Ewen Costiou both bring Hills ratings in the 74–75 range with strong Climbing scores, making them perfectly suited to this profile, and both race for Groupama-FDJ, which adds team strength. Noa Isidore has been the most active and consistent performer in similar races recently, with 12 starts, a 2nd-place best, and three top-10s to back his selection.
Groupama-FDJ
Groupama-FDJ
Brieuc Rolland has a Hills rating of 74 and a Climbing score of 73, making him one of the better-suited all-rounders in the peloton for this type of finish. Ten races in similar conditions with a best result of 3rd show he can compete near the front when conditions align.
Groupama-FDJ
Groupama-FDJ
Ewen Costiou carries a Hills score of 75 and a Climbing rating of 74, the best combined punch in the field outside the top duo. Racing for Groupama-FDJ alongside multiple teammates gives him tactical options, and his profile fits a stage that rewards punchy all-rounders.
Decathlon CMA CGM
Decathlon CMA CGM
Noa Isidore has been the most active rider in comparable races over the past 90 days with 12 starts, recording one podium and three top-10s including a best of 2nd place. His Hills rating of 72 and Sprint of 71 suit a hilly stage with a flat finish well.
★
Ones to Watch
Alexandre Delettre has the raw Hills rating to contend but needs to convert his frequent appearances into results. Pierre Thierry is quietly consistent with a podium to his name in similar races. Joppe Heremans and Milan Menten both offer sprint-capable profiles that could shine if a reduced group comes to the line, with Menten's 73 Sprint the highest of the outsiders.
TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies
Alexandre Delettre shares the top Hills rating of 76 but his form has been inconsistent, averaging 49.6 across 16 similar races with three top-10s but no wins or podiums. He remains a threat if he can arrive fresh after a busy calendar.
Van Rysel Roubaix
Van Rysel Roubaix
Joppe Heremans has logged ten starts in hilly races with a best result of 7th and a Sprint score of 71 that suits a flat finish after a hilly day. He is an interesting outsider who could benefit from a reduced group sprint.
Lotto Intermarché
Lotto Intermarché
Milan Menten pairs a Hills score of 73 with the joint-highest Sprint rating among hilly specialists at 73, making him a logical pick if a small group comes to the line. Lotto Intermarché's presence in the race gives him solid team backing.
TotalEnergies
TotalEnergies
Pierre Thierry has been quietly consistent with eight similar-profile starts, a podium finish, and an average position of 36.5, the best among riders with strong sample sizes outside the top picks. His Climbing score of 72 and TT of 72 add versatility.
Verdict
Alex Aranburu is the clear favourite, combining the top Hills rating with proven winning form and extensive experience in similar races. Aurélien Paret-Peintre and in-form Axel Mariault are the most dangerous challengers.